Siblings of Children With Autism: A Guide for Families (Topics in Autism) - Softcover

Sandra L. Harris

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0933149719 ISBN 13: 9780933149717

Publisher: Woodbine House, 1994

Synopsis

An invaluable guide to understanding sibling relationships, how autism affects these relationships, and what families can do to support their children as they cope with the intensive needs of a child with autism.

About this title

From the Publisher

A Review.... "Along with meeting the many challenges presented by raising a child with autism, caregivers often find themselves working hard to help their other children adjust to the unique family situation. Parents and other caregivers frequently ask themselves, other parents, and professionals questions such as: 'When do I tell Jim's siblings that he has autism?' or 'How do I explain Heather's unusual behaviors to her brothers?' Siblings of Children with Autism: A Guide for Families, written by psychologist Sandra Harris, helps fill a gap in the resource literature by concentrating specifically on sibling needs and concerns. As one of the parents quoted in this helpful and pragmatic book states, 'We are just ordinary people in very extraordinary situations' (p.94). Indeed, much of the value of Harris's book lies in its ability to explore and elucidate these extraordinary situations in a nonjudgmental, practical, and ordinary manner. The book's subtitle, A Guide for Families, clearly indicates the author's intended audience. Drawing on years of clinical experience the author provides the reader with both specific information and recommendations for effective action. Siblings of Children with Autism maintains an attitude of deep respect for families. Commentary and stories from parents and siblings are integrated throughout the book. The author writes in clear prose and avoids jargon without talking down to her readers. True to the title and aim of the book, Harris keeps the focus on siblings and avoids the temptation to offer extensive ideas about how to best educate children with autism. Harris covers an impressive range of topics in this relatively brief book: explaining autism to siblings, fostering sibling relationships, enhancing communication, and balancing multiple family needs. Parents, who read Harris's book between many family demands, will be rewarded by her accessible, applicable, and practical recommendations for helping all of their children adjust successfully to their family's extraordinary situation.

Harris does not minimize the sometimes difficult and painful aspects of living with a person with autism. Yet she writes with a tone that both empowers and reassures. For instance, she acknowledges that the experience of discrimination toward a child with autism can constitute 'one of life's brutal moments' for both parents and siblings (p.29). Yet she refrains from moralizing or blaming. Instead, Harris identifies issues and concerns in a straightforward manner and provides parents with proactive ways of coping with difficult situations. Parents of young children are apt to find themselves supported rather than overwhelmed by the author's recommendations and reminder that 'you have an entire childhood in which to help your child learn what he needs to know' (p.31).

Although the primary goal of providing families with a usable guide is achieved admirably, scientifically minded parents and professionals may find themselves wanting more empirical evidence to support the presented information. For example, the author periodically outlines personal concerns and anxieties that siblings are likely to experience, such as, the fear that one can 'catch' autism. However, the book typically does not present sufficient information for the reader to estimate the likelihood that these issues will have a significant impact on sibling development if not addressed. At times, the reader may be unable to determine whether information is based on the author's extensive clinical experience or empirical research. When Harris does cite applicable research, especially with regard to her own work on facilitating play between siblings, her accounts are relevant and clear.

Finally, Harris describes how siblings' responses, understanding, and coping skills change across the life-span. By taking this developmental approach, she challenges her reader to consider how 'ordinary' child development (e.g., the 9-12-year-old's increasing social awareness and need to be accepted by peers) interacts with the 'extraordinary' situation the child experiences (e.g., having one's sibling with autism throw a tantrum in front of one's friends). This framework encourages flexibility in thinking and provides caregivers with ways to interpret a sibling's behavior that are apt to prompt effective responding. Siblings of Children with Autism is indeed a guide for families. Clearly written, the book clarifies the impact of normal growth and development on a sibling's ability to understand and respond to a child with autism. Both benefits and challenges to growing up with such a sibling are identified, as are effective ways for parents to respond. This is a book that parents are likely to keep at hand and reread over the years as their children mature. Professionals will find the book a valuable resource that they can recommend with confidence to families. Finally, older siblings of children with autism may find, to their interest and sometimes relief, their own experiences captured in the pages of this book." --Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, Vol. 26, No. 6, 1996

About the Author

Sandra L. Harris, Ph.D., is Professor and Dean of the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. She is also the author of Right from the Start (Woodbine House, 1998) and the Executive Director of the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center, a program for children and adolescents with autism, which she founded in 1972.

About this edition

• Publisher: Woodbine House
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0933149719
• ISBN 13: 9780933149717
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 127